Parent education classes are provided in the community as well as in the hospital. Your midwife will be able to tell you where is your nearest class. It is offered to all parents-to-be who wish to attend and are very popular.
They are held in a quiet relaxed atmosphere with plenty of opportunity for questions. There is usually a program offering specific information about all aspects of pregnancy. For example
- All about labour and what to expect
- Pain relief ( pain relief in labour)
- Parents role
- Stages of labour and your birth plan ( the birth)
- A tour of the delivery areas (delivery suite / Midwifery led unit)
- Feeding your baby (infant feeding advisors)
- Coping with a new baby
- What you need ( what you need for your baby)
- Prevention of cot death
- Contraception
- Safety in the home and in travel
To help you prepare for the birth of your new baby Birth and Beyond Ante-Natal sessions are taking place in various venues within your local community.
These sessions are facilitated by midwives and will cover the following topics:
- Am I in Labour? When should I come to hospital?
- Stages of Labour, Coping strategies, Management of Pain
- Feeding your baby and HOW?
- Caring for your Baby
- Partner’s role(s)
- Adapting to life with a new Baby, and much much more!!
Other sessions available include:
- Breathing and Relaxation
- Breastfeeding Workshop
- Ante-natal Yoga
If you would like more information, or would like to book a place speak to your midwife for details.
Birth and Beyond Parent Education
Aims and Philosophy:
- To assist prospective parent(s) in preparing for the birth of their child (ren) both physically and emotionally
- To provide a safe social environment in both hospital and community settings in which parents can express concerns and issues they may have
- To enable parents to gain an insight into the skills needed when becoming a parent, and in caring for a new baby
- To explore attitudes on social psychological and emotional factors which may impact on and influence parents in their care and enjoyment of their baby
- Sessions are ‘parent-centred’ thus giving them opportunity to participate fully
- Parents have a wide range of life experiences which are utilised, they bring a ‘richness’ to the classes and are of benefit to all
Birth and Beyond Sessions offer:
- EDUCATION in all aspects of pregnancy, childbirth and the transition to parenthood
- INFORMATION to increase self confidence and in gaining skills to cope with pregnancy and parenthood
- SUPPORT sessions are informal and flexible, open discussion is encouraged. Questions may be asked and fears and anxieties can be expressed and explored
Birth and Beyond Ante-natal sessions are held in the two hospital sites at Liverpool Women’s Hospital and at the Aintree site at University Hospital Aintree. They take place in Parent Education room in the Ante-Natal Clinic at Liverpool Women’s Hospital, and in the Ante-Natal Clinic on the Aintree Site. Day and evening sessions are available, and weekend sessions are planned in the near future.
Sessions are also held in various community venues and Children’s Centres throughout South Sefton, Liverpool and Knowsley. These may be offered as a ‘programme’ of sessions, or on a ‘drop-in’ basis for women who wish to cover certain topics only, or for those who have had babies before and want a ‘refresher’ session only.
Who Can Attend?
Any pregnant women over 30 weeks pregnant. Sessions are available to women and their birth partners, or for younger women (under 18 years) Specialist sessions are available for women with multiple pregnancies, non-English speaking women, and for those women with extra special needs or disabilities. Speak to your midwife for details.
What else is available?
Breathing and Relaxation classes – Techniques for labour at both Liverpool Women’s Hospital and University Hospital Aintree. (Partner’s welcome)
Breastfeeding Workshop – Evening sessions for women (partner’s very welcome) who are wishing to breastfeed and want to know more.
Ante-Natal Yoga – Evening and weekend sessions at both Liverpool Women’s Hospital and University Hospital Aintree
How to book?
You should book sessions through your community midwife who you will see at your GP surgery or clinic. She will advise you of your local sessions and how to book them. The optimal time to begin classes is around 30-32 weeks gestation. Partner’s are welcome to attend with you.
Hospital sessions are available for women who live in the in the immediate surrounding area(s) or for those who live ‘out of area’ only, and may be booked in the Ante-Natal Clinic in both hospital sites.
These take place on Monday and Wednesday evenings 6.30 – 8.30, and Tuesday afternoon 2.30 – 4.30 (school term time only) in Liverpool Women’s Hospital. Sessions at University Hospital Aintree are held on Wednesday evenings 6.30 – 8.30 and Friday afternoons for young women under age 18years.
